Wasps sign international back

USA international centre and Sevens Series back Andrew Suniula has signed a contract with Wasps, the club has announced.

USA international centre and IRB World Sevens Series back Andrew Suniula has signed a contract with Wasps, the club has announced.

Suniula's deal coincides with the late arrival of another additional wide player, with Tongan back William Helu linking up with the squad last week.

Suniula is a hard running centre, who can also cover wing, and he has previously played for Cornish Pirates and Taranaki in New Zealand. He has also spent time in rugby league with the Auckland Lions and Manly Sea Eagles. He represented his country at the 2011 World Cup.

Helu has previous experience in English rugby having played for Bristol and the centre/wing has played 11 times for Tonga. His arrival at the club was delayed while he recovered from an injury picked up on international duty in pre-season.

The duo provide timely backs cover for Wasps who have been hit by injuries to Andrea Masi, Tom Varndell and Hugo Southwell, although Elliot Daly made his return last weekend.

"We've unfortunately been hit by a few early season injuries to our back line so having Andrew and William come in this week has been good timing. They are both experienced international players and provide us with vital depth in the midfield and wider," said Director of Rugby Dai Young.